Comments on "The Way I See It #209"

Tonight while sitting in Starbucks and reading a good book, I gazed at my coffee cup and saw the side of it where they put those quotes from people, most of whom you have never heard. It was amazing as I was reading about the Reformation and the life of Martin Luther, which, might I add, is a worth while assignment for any and all, that I considered the amazing difference in world views. You might say...duh!!!! You might say, "thank you Capitan Obvious" of course there would be a difference in the world view of a Christian and someone who is an unbeliever.

Yes, I agree with you. With the powerlessness of the what we know as the "church" today, and liberal teaching and more people being influenced by "The Power of Positive Thinking" or "Your Best Life Now", I wonder if there are some that might be quickly influenced by this cup and would rather adapt to it's theology than that of the teachings of Scripture.

Now...I shall quote Starbucks "The Way I See It" #209

Growing up, my parents always said, "You will leave this world the same way you came into it: with nothing." It made me realize that the only things we do in this world that count are those things that make the world a better place for those who will come behind us.

Now, don't throw the book at me and say that I am advocating that we make a mess of things so that we can dump on the people that follow us. Not at all, if by the grace of God, we are able to leave things in better shape then the way we found them, so be it. However, there is more...

Now to contrast this, let's look at the exapmple of Martin Luther. Martin Luther, living in a day when the people within the church were suffering from the result of a generation pointed down the wrong direction. (Paraphrase of Nichols book "Pages From Church History", 160) I would now like to offer some insight from Dr. Martin Luther.

"Therefore let every heard of a household remember that it is his duty, by God's injunction and command, to teach or have taught to his children the things they ought to know."

Martin Luther was wise enough to know that unless there was great attention given to the intentional teaching of Fathers and other leaders to impart the truth of Scripture to the coming generation, there would be nothing but disaster from a lack of knowledge of the Word of God. (Psalm 119:92)

Parents, are you worried about saving up your money and possessions and the whole time neglecting the teaching of your children? Where is your time and effort going? Do you labor and go to bed exhausted because you are storing up treasures on Earth where moth and rust destroy, or you are laying a foundation for a future generation that will come to find their joy and satisfaction in Christ alone?

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron

Iglesia Hispana - (Spanish Bible Study/Worship Service) Update

We had another great evening meeting together. Again this week there were four of us who met at Rockport for the service. However, Armando was not one of them as he is really sick. Pray for him as he was discouraged that he could not come this evening, but he promised that he would be there for next week.

Brother Paul Garcia, a dear friend of mine and co-laborer in the gospel, Brother Daniel, Isai, and I decided to pray and then go make some contacts, and we did! The evening was very profitable as we made contact with a family that lives near the church. The wife and kids are planning on coming next Tuesday evening. Please pray over this family! We also made several other contacts throughout Arnold/South County.

In God's providence he brought a man to our apartment today to ask for assistance for his friend. Now, neither men speak English, but the first man, Ed, knew us because of speaking with him around the property and also from playing soccer together. He has become a good amigo. His other friend that he brought to us is looking for an apartment mainly because he is wanting to move his family in to a better school district because his children are having major problems where they are. So, we were able to speak with them and also invite them to the Bible Study next Tuesday. We received a verbal commitment from Ed. Please remember to pray for Ed and Amado (and family).

The Lord is really blessing and is moving in the hearts of so many. I'll keep everyone posted at least on a weekly basis.

In Christ,

Aaron

PS - I want to thank the College class at Rockport for adopting this ministry as their mission focus each week. We thank you for your prayer and support!

Resource on the Battle for Purity

Recently, we just conducted a "Purity" weekend with our teenage boys and girls. During this weekend, I feel that the Lord has brought to our attention the great need for holiness. It is very alarming to know how many are affected by pornography.

So, there are many that are asking me for books and resources on the subject. I would like to comment on this and will post some updates containing some recommendations. First, I would like to point out the following Scripture.

Ephesians 5:3 ESV

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

We, as believers, should be above reproach. In fact, others should be able to look at our lives and be able to determine that there is not even a "hint" of sexual immorality among us. I would like to quote something from a great resource, the book "Not Even a Hint" by Joshua Harris...This book has been given a new title "Sex is Not the Problem, Lust Is." You can find this book and many others at Christian stores everywhere. I personally would suggest purchasing books online through ebay or a great Christian resource such as http://www.cvbbs.com.

A lot of us have developed a diet mentality toward lust. We really want to cut back on lust because we know it's not healthy and it makes us feel bad. But like some rich, calorie-laden chocolate dessert, lust is just too tasty to resist completely. Surely God will understand if we break our diet and nibble a little lust now and then (get too intimate on a date here, watch a questionable movie there, or indulge in an ungodly fantasy.)

This is the same kind of thinking behind the age-old question asked in youth groups: "How far is too far?"

Isn't just a little lust okay? You can see how our diet mentality leads us to set upa lower standard than God's. You might call it "a little won't hurt." And, hey it sounds like a reasonable standard. Best of all, at least on the surface, it seems doable.

There's just one problem: The Bible teaches the opposite. A little lust is not okay. That's why God calls us to the daunting standard of not even a hint.

Update on Worship Service In Spanish

Many people have been asking how the service in Spanish is going on Tuesday evenings. I figured this would be the best place to post updates and information as well as points of needed prayer. So, here we go. First of all, I would like to thank Rob and Kristi and their family for the commitment to provide transportation, and for the snacks that they have been providing each week. Second, I would like to thank my dear brother in the Lord Daniel, for all of his effort and energy that he puts in to the service. I could go on and on thanking people for all the help. I want to especially thank my beautiful wife, Rachel. Without her assistance every single day, there would be such a lacking in the ministry that the Lord has given me. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure in my wife. I love you dear!


This Past Week/Preparing for Next Week
This past week was our 2nd service, and we had a total of 4 in attendance. Many of you all already know the story about the fact that Daniel was telling me that I should be prepared for seeing nobody for months and that I should prepare myself to be content with the fact that we are being obedient in preaching, praying, and inviting.

Next week we are going to begin by reciting our memory verse to each other (John 3:16 RV1960). We are also going to get Armando acclimated to playing the keyboard while Daniel leads in playing the guitar.

Between now and then we hope to have the opportunity to make many invitations to others. I am asking that you please consider how you might invite others and point us to other contacts.

In two weeks...and beyond!
We are going to have our first "Cena" meaning, we are going to have a meal together before our service. It is important that we begin developing relationship within the context of those who believe. I have a sense that the Lord is already developing this relationship with Armando, Daniel, and me.

We also plan to invite others to come play Futbol (soccer) before a Tuesday night service in March. There are also plans to celebrate La Cena del Senor (the Lord's Supper) at one of our services.

How can you pray...

• Pray that the Lord will continue to call people to Himself. Pray for miraculous conversions brought about by the quickening power of the Holy Spirit!
• Pray for Daniel as he prepares the Bible Study each week and as he leads his congregation at Centro Cristiano at Kingshyway Baptist Church in St. Louis.
• Pray that the Lord would greatly bless by providing the funding for supplies.
• There are many that we are in contact with that are unregenerate. Please pray for the salvation of Antonio, Ezequial, Mario, Jesus, Marcos, Tomas and many, many others!
• Pray that the Lord would throw open the floodgates of blessing upon this new work and the Lord would build His church for the praise of His glory!!!

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron

New Blog...

I am working on my first narrative post and will soon have it available. Please check back soon as I will be posting information regarding the Student Ministry at Rockport, missions in Mexico, Hispanic church planting in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as a host of other topics!

In all things...Christ Preeminent!

Aaron